Walkers are renowned for handling complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions, with a strong profile in the tech and fintech sectors. The firm’s dedicated regulatory practice is a standout, advising on the full spectrum of applications, compliance, and investigations. James Gaden is highly regarded for his expertise in investment funds, while Kristen Kwok is recognised for her work on offshore repackaging programmes. On the disputes side, Tom Pugh is a key contact for insolvency practitioners, creditors, debtors, and shareholders, while John Crook focuses on shareholder and contentious trust disputes, as well as fraud and asset tracing. Victoria Raymond brings further breadth with her broad commercial litigation expertise.
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Profile

Profile

Work Department
Investment Funds and Corporate
Position

James is a partner in our Investment Funds Group and Corporate team in Hong Kong.

James has over 21 years' experience advising the investment funds industry.
He specialises in advising private equity and hedge fund managers on a broad spectrum of legal issues including fund formation and structuring, acquisitions and disposals, fund restructuring and fund financing

In addition, James has an active corporate practice which includes providing general corporate advice on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures. He also advises companies, LLCs, partnerships and their investors in relation to a variety of different financing transactions.

James advises clients from across the region including in Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Australia. James is a respected practitioner in the investment funds industry and is a regular speaker at industry events.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Walkers is an excellent firm for complex offshore disputes. The team provides practical, strategic advice in a user-friendly and efficient manner. Highly recommended. ’

    ‘Walkers is a leading player for legal services for investment fund business in the Cayman Islands with a plenty of knowledge and experience in this sector and their advice is always to-the-point and practical.’

    ‘Mark Cummings and his team have been responsive, pragmatic and efficient in their approach to handling our Cayman Hedge Fund establishment and management, a pleasure to work with.’

    ‘John Crook is the stand-out offshore disputes lawyer of his generation. In addition to offering practical, user-friendly advice on complex offshore legal issues, he has a rare understanding of how offshore issues can impact parallel arbitration and litigation proceedings in Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia.' 

    ‘Ally Lam, the Partner, is a prominent lawyer. She is very responsive and able to suggest practical solutions based on her well understanding of the client's situation.’

    ‘Walkers remains the go-to firm for offshore work and has been a source of confidence and stability over the past year. Their ability to develop easy-to-use templates and processes was especially useful for us. ’

    ‘A big part of the success of Walkers is due to the relationship management of John Cartwright, with his emphasis on service tailored to specific needs of the client. Would highlight his availability, ability to make sense of complicated situations and help with viable long-term solutions as key facets of his service. ’

    ‘James Gaden is one of the most capable and talented offshore funds lawyers in Asia, and he is my absolute "go to" professional for our most complex and sophisticated matters. ’

    'Andy Randall who is managing partner has strength in client relationship and he makes every effort to stay close with the clients. Kristen Kwok is excellent in managing transactions with a high level of understanding and empathy.'

    'Walkers is a stand-out outfit for dispute resolution. They have a very strong roster of exceptional lawyers, who really know their stuff, ready to deal with the heaviest of disputes. They are incredibly easy to work with and capable of fielding large teams. They go the extra mile.'

Key clients

  • Advantage Partners Ascentage Pharma BEST Inc. BrainAurora Medical Technology Limited Fundpark Limited iQIYI, Inc. JBDI Holdings Limited Pony.AI Inc. Seyond Holdings Ltd. TNL Mediagene Tor Investment Management Trustar Capital

Work highlights

Acted as counsel to Blackstone in connection with Blackstone and CPPIB's landmark acquisition of AirTrunk.